Finished my DIY Bandbell today...going to try it out shortly. I got the fiberglass rod from Grainger. A co-worker ordered it for me and had it delivered there, so no shipping. $47.15. There were two lengths in the 1 inch diameter. 10' and 5'. So I had to go with the 10. I bought a 1 7/8" dowel for the collars. Cut two 15" long then bored a 1" hole in the center, 12" deep. That was the hardest part by far. I built a simple jig for my drillpress and had to buy a 1" x 16" spade bit. $10 at Lowes. I started the hole with a fostner bit and went maybe 4" with it because the spade bits chatter and it's harder to get closer to center with those. Anyways I'm excited to try it out. Below are some pics of the bar. (WFS)

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II Corintians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Thanks Ben!
Craig, So far I have tried flat bench, squats and overhead press with the bar. I have only one 45# kettlebell so I hung plates instead. Wouldn't think that matters. I started with 25 per side on the bench and it was eaisier than anticipated. I went to 35, then 45. There was some shaking during all the reps. Not sure which bands that the westside crew uses, I bought a beginner package set from somewhere, can't remember but I have some singles and a pair of purple. I used the set and the plates were draging the ground so it negated the effect at first. I doubled the bands and it helped. I loaded 50 per side on the squats and same thing dragging. o/h press was awesome. Loaded with 25 per side. Then added 20 per side on the bar. In effect 25 per side swinging and the 20/side stable. That worked out really well. Will be playing around with it for a while. Going to try using heavier bands, even though it will be lopsided and see if that helps with the draging effect. I have a shoulder injury is the reason I built it, to use as therapy. As far as the bar being theraputic, time will tell. I plan on adding in some accessory sets to my normal routine. Also it will double as a "ladys" bar as I try and get the wifey in on lifting.

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II Corintians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

I'm pretty sure the vids I've seen at Westside and when I went to the Cert at Westside they doubled up the mini's. Can you quad them up? I guess the benefit of the kettlebell is that it is shorter in diameter so it won't hit hte floor as easily?

I also wonder with the heavier plates, could you use a short pipe or dumbell handle and choke a band around it then pull the band through the hup so the plate lies parallel to the floor?

Didn't think about choking the pipe like that. Great idea. I will try it out this week and let you know how it goes. I am saving for the kettlebell package from fringesport. But that would still only leave me with one pair ,45s. How much weight were the westside guys using?

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II Corintians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Didn't think about choking the pipe like that. Great idea. I will try it out this week and let you know how it goes. I am saving for the kettlebell package from fringesport. But that would still only leave me with one pair ,45s. How much weight were the westside guys using?

Wes ressurected the thread and I saw Robert H's question. My recollection was 2-3 KB's a side, at lest 45lb bells.

I've been too cheap to buy a bandell, and too lazy to make one, but have a rogue Axel and for light/higher rep work it works well putting some plates or KB's hung in the same fashion as a bandell. Causes plenty of instability.